crystal river grouper fishing report crystal river grouper fishing report

All you have to do is pay for the charter. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Book with Captain Bryan! When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Why Fishing in Crystal River, FL is One of the , Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and Wh, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. If so, lets talk about what they look like. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. We went for Scallops. Casey. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. We look forward to. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. As for the Grouper Fishing here in Crystal River, we have been waiting for the water temperatures to drop and the days to get shorter to push those big gags into shallow water. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Water is nice and warm in the summer. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. You can expect great red fishing especially in the early mornings and late afternoons, live bait and top waters have been a few key baits to get the job done. Grouper fishing in Crystal River is typically done by bottom fishing with live bait, and the best time to fish for grouper is during the cooler months. A beautiful scenery paired with a healthy and thriving habitat provides an amazing estuary for fish such as, When it comes to fishing, the gag grouper can be a challenge. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! If youre going on a party boat or a head boat, then you can expect to have a good time with your friends or family. At the same time, they are some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean and most do just fine with a cooler full of these two. 352-601-1963 You can certainly eat it if you wish! In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. These same big-lipped diving plugs have been all the rage for about three years among anglers trolling for grouper off Florida's Coastal Bend in the Gulf of Mexico. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Fishing the many rock piles that line the foul area with large Rapala f18 Swimming Plugs has also shown to be a great way to get these hard fighting fish to bite in tough conditions. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Come prepared for a strong swim. For most people, moderate intake of mercury in fish is not a concern, but you do want to be aware of what youre putting in your body, especially if you eat grouper frequently. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Come out with Finders Keepers Charters and try to catch these tasty fish on light to medium tackle either bottom fishing or trolling lipped plugs. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Some days we start by locating the fish with large chunks of mullet strategically placed all along the mangrove island bank, once we find the fish we hone in on that location and get to Catching. Be sure to include the following on your next gag grouper fishing trip: Gag grouper fish are ambush predators, which means they hide in places where they can easily conceal themselves from their prey. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Drink water!! These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Crystal River, FL 34429. Crystal River, FL 34429. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Don't be affraid to try something new, but at the same time don't totally give up what brought you success to begin with. found some trout only one keeper. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 captjaycemassaro@gmail.com Hours Always Open Reviews Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Florida Fishing in in October. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters, Ask your Captain - they know the area and the best catch for the time of year you visit, Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. I honestly cant say that I blame those fun loving beachgoers for wanting to soak up some sun during the spring break season here in Florida. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Happy Holidays Anglers. The best Grouper fishing found along Crystal River and Homosassa can be found along the shallow waters of our "Foul Area" also known as the Old Bombing Range. The best Grouper fishing found along Crystal River and Homosassa can be found along the shallow waters of our Foul Area also known as the Old Bombing Range. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. While most go fish wrecks and reefs for grouper, the bottom-scape of the Crystal River shallows contain many natural features that draw this species in. The mackerel bite was on ? There is something to do for everyone in our area. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Sport Fishing Slip As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. If you are itching to hook a gag grouper or 10, one of the best ways to begin is by going on a fishing charter in Crystal River. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! Tight Lines!!! Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Grouper is a delicious fish. Usually those words are the precursor for a story of struggles or How many of you enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee to get you going before you start the day? Continue reading. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Summer time mangrove snapper fishing is always a target to keep the rods bent free lining live shrimp in 10-20 feet you can expect mangroves from 2-5lbs along with grunts, hogfish and the occasional grouper. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Email Us! It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Large lipped plugs, jigs, and swimbaits can all be used as long as the hooks are beefy enough to handle the pull of a big grouper. Typically, fishing the 8-25 foot range October-December allows anglers a chance to land the fish of a lifetime and take home some delicious fillets. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. We went scalloping (not fishing). If you choose to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River on a charter boat, your captain can help you hook the grouper of a lifetime! All rights reserved. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. The weather this year has provided challenges and opportunities to change up our tactics and find fish in places where they maybe wouldnt have been in a normal" season. Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, and Gag Grouper are all biting well this time of year, and the weather is usually cooperative, with sunny days and mild temperatures. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. A beautiful scenery paired with a healthy and thriving habitat provides an amazing estuary for fish such as, When it comes to fishing, the gag grouper can be a challenge. Over time the constant bombardment of dropping these heavy dummy bombs created large areas of scattered craters that have become perfect hiding areas for hungry Grouper. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Skip to main content. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Crystal River is a pristine coastal fishery that is known for epic battles with snook and tarpon, houses many of the most sought-after inshore species anywhere, but it also holds one of the most unique experiences found along Florida's coast - Shallow water grouper fishing! As for the Grouper Fishing here in Crystal River, we have been waiting for the water temperatures to drop and the days to get shorter to push those big gags into shallow water. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? However, they can also be found in temperate environments. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. In addition to fishing for grouper in Crystal River, check out the following ideas for things to do this month: Grouper is an amazing fish, and catching one is a feat. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. But just off its shores is a series of freshwater springs that attract numerous different species of fish from all over the Gulf Coast every year. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Grouper can be caught on a variety of lures like spoons and jigs, but they are smart fish, so you need to be strategic about the type of bait you use as well as your choice of equipment. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. My go-to rod and reel is be either a Daiwa BG MQ or Saltist MQ 8000 paired with a Fitzgerald Fishing Stunner HD 74 Extra Heavy. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? 352-601-1963 Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Theres a reason they call is Red October. Schools of large upper slot and overslot redfish line the outer islands of the St. Martins Keys making for extremely fun sight fishing opportunities in crystal clear water. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Exploring the Benefits of Crystal River Fishing Charters: The Top Reasons to Book Now, Snapper Fishing in 2023: What to Expect from Crystal River, FL, Where, When, and How: Catching Fish in Crystal River. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. A shiny red-and-white fishing plug floated past our boat in the Gulf of Mexico, as we cast for trout on the Steinhatchee grass flats. Great weather and great fishing. If so,, Preparing For Backcountry Winter Fishing In Crystal River, Crystal River offers some of the best fishing in Florida, and winter is a great. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Lost of options around the "millions" of islands and offshore rock piles.. Pete's Pier is a great place to launch from and Hampton Inn and Plantation On Crystal River are very close by. Email Address: Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. All rights reserved. In fact, the area has been one of the most popular charter fishing spots in this part of Florida for many decades now thanks to the accessibility and abundant natural resources. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Its keeping it. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. The captain can also offer bait if needed. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. There are some species that can grow quite large. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. How shallow one may ask? All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. All of the great guides here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters hope that 2022 was a prosperous year for everyone and we wish all of you the very best going into 2023. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Trying to decide what time of year to. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Please call for full rate and reservation information. I love fishing the Nature Coast. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. We look forward to hearing from you. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. 9340 W Fort Island Trail While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. If youre not an experienced angler and want to catch fish in a short period of time, then the best option for you is going on a fishing charter. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! 9340 W Fort Island Trail open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 captjaycemassaro@gmail.com Hours Always Open Reviews Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. All rights reserved. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. February 19, 2023. When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. Have fun and enjoy!! Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Had an amazing family on the boat today. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Nick Warrington Sep 16, 2021 A look into the best grouper fishing in the state of Florida You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Now one might think that targeting Grouper in such shallow water would mean catching smaller fish, and while some fish are smaller, some of the largest Grouper we catch throughout the year come from these shallow depths. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. Really good fighting fish. 8000 sized spinning reels spooled with 65-80 pound braid and 80 pound leader is what you need to get these fish in the boat. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? We found them! 12645 W Fort Island Trail Reservations should be made in advance if possible. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. How awesome would it be to put a Tarpon in the air or land a couple of Snook all before most folks pour their first cup of coffee? Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Looking for an Orvi, Shout out to my boy Casey Males for knocking out s, Another great day of fly fishing with my main man, This gorgeous view will becoming up For Sale very, Great Day fly fishing the Backcountry of Crystal R, One of my top 10 guiding moments!! Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Sport Fishing Slip If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more.